Loss prevention in stores is a major challenge for retailers, especially in sectors such as supermarkets, pharmacies, and DIY stores . Knowing which products are most targeted by theft makes it possible to adjust security strategies and better protect inventory.
🌂 Alcohol and Spirits
Easy to conceal, small in size and high in value, bottles of alcohol top the list of most stolen products. Their appeal for resale makes them a frequent target. Thieves often act in groups, targeting premium brands such as whiskeys, vodkas, or champagnes. Resale may occur via parallel channels, particularly online or in markets. This type of theft represents a significant financial loss for retailers, especially during the holiday season.
🍼 Baby Products
Infant formulas, diapers, and wipes are essential goods whose high demand means they are stolen frequently. Their high cost and constant turnover make them a prime target for resale. Some thieves sell them at a discount, taking advantage of the economic pressures on families. The theft of these items is often linked to situations of hardship.
💋 Cosmetics and Perfumes
Beauty products, especially perfumes and high-end makeup, are often stolen due to their small size and high market value. These products attract both casual thieves and organized groups, often to supply online resale platforms. Leading brands are particularly targeted due to high demand. Some thieves even use lined bags to evade security gates.
💊 Over-the-counter Medicines
In pharmacies, painkillers, dietary supplements, and other OTC products are common targets. Their small size makes them easy to steal. Some medicines can be diverted from their original use, making them even more attractive. Furthermore, their sometimes high price motivates thefts for resale on the black market or for personal use. Pharmacies must therefore combine prevention and surveillance without hindering accessibility.
🌟 Batteries and Small Electronics
Batteries, memory cards, and phone accessories are among the most stolen items, especially in DIY or convenience stores. Their compactness and high unit value make them easy to steal and resell. They are often prized due to strong demand. Thefts sometimes occur as sprees, targeting entire shelves in poorly monitored areas.
👔 Razors and Blades
Despite being basic items, disposable razors and refills are frequently stolen for their high price and compact size. Their discreet packaging allows for easy concealment. Many thieves target them for personal use, but also for resale online or in markets. These items represent a high replacement cost for stores, which must reinforce their protection using anti-theft cases.
💰 Gift Cards and Prepaid Vouchers
Taken before activation, these cards are sometimes stolen in large quantities, especially to be resold or fraudulently used. Their very slim format makes them easy to steal at checkout or from shelves near exits.
🥛 Packaged Cheese and Meat
In the food sector, these high-value-added products are highly coveted, particularly due to their popularity. Food theft is often driven by immediate needs but can also be organized on a large scale.
🏋️ Clothing and Accessories
Clothing items, especially small accessories, sunglasses or hats, are often targeted on shelves. Trendy brands are particularly sought after for resale on second-hand platforms. Some thieves organize shop-hopping trips to build up stocks for resale.
🧬 Tools and DIY Materials
In DIY stores, screwdrivers, drill bits, and small equipment are frequently stolen as they are easy to hide and resell. Their constant demand, particularly from professionals or weekend handymen, makes them a lucrative target. Stores need to increase monitoring of technical aisles and restrict access to certain products.
🛡️ Anticipate Thanks to Behavioral Detection
Rather than simply monitoring products, innovative retailers are adopting solutions based on suspicious gesture analysis . By using artificial intelligence to identify risky behaviors in real time , it is possible to prevent theft without negatively impacting the customer experience.
Technologies like those from Oxania offer precise, non-intrusive detection adapted to every type of store, allowing in-store teams to react quickly while creating a safer environment for all.
📆 In Conclusion
Understanding which products are most exposed to theft is a first, essential step. But by combining this knowledge with intelligent AI tools, it becomes possible to reduce shrinkage, improve profitability, and protect brand reputation . Behavioral technology is today a powerful ally for the retail of tomorrow.
